Preview: Sutton United vs. AFC Wimbledon - prediction, team news, lineups

Looking to maintain their perfect start to the EFL Trophy campaign, Sutton United welcome AFC Wimbledon to the Gander Green Lane on Tuesday.

The visitors head into the game fresh off the back of ending their three-game losing streak and will be seeking to build on that performance and pick up their second win of the campaign.

Match preview

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After failing to taste victory in any of their opening five games across all competitions, Sutton United got their season up and running when they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Crystal Palace Under-21s in their EFL Trophy curtain-raiser back in August.

The win served as a catalyst for a fine run of form for Matt Gray's side, who claimed seven wins from their subsequent eight games in all competitions, including a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth back in their second EFL Trophy outing on October 12.

In that encounter, Isaac Olaofe and Louis John netted second-half goals to send the Snipes top of the Southern Group B standings and leave Portsmouth rock bottom after two straight defeats.

Sutton United, who are currently ninth in the League Two table, head into Tuesday's game fresh off the back of claiming an FA Cup first-leg win over Hayes & Yeading thanks to Will Randall's 71st-minute strike.

On the other hand, Wimbledon got their EFL Trophy campaign off to a flyer as they claimed a 5-3 win over Portsmouth at the Plough Lane on September 7.

With the Dons trailing by one goal entering the final 10 minutes, Aaron Pressley, William Nightingale and Luke McCormick all found the target to turn the game on its head and condemn the visitors to a third straight away defeat.

However, Mark Robinson's men were denied a second group victory on October 26th, when they were beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace Under-21s, courtesy of second-half goals from Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Robert Street.

Wimbledon, who are seated in 17th place in the League One standings, ended their run of three straight defeats last time out, when they claimed a slender 1-0 win over Hayes & Yeading in the first of their two-legged FA Cup tie.

While they will look to keep the ball rolling, next up is an opposing side who are currently unbeaten in each of the last two meetings between the teams, claiming one win and one draw in that time.

Team News

Sutton United will take to the pitch without the services of Louis John after the English defender trudged off the pitch with a seventh-minute injury against Rochdale three Saturdays ago.

Fellow countryman Harry Beautyman is also set to sit out his fifth game on the bounce after coming off with an injury midway through the 2-1 defeat against Swindon Town on October 19.

30-year-old midfielder Craig Eastmond is also out of contention for the hosts after sustaining an injury in the win against Portsmouth back in October.

Meanwhile, Wimbledon remain without the services of English defensive duo of Paul Kalambayi and Will Nightingale, who continue their spells on the sidelines through injuries.

He is joined on the club's injury table by George Marsh after the 23-year-old defender picked up an injury back in August's game against Rotherham United.

Sutton United possible starting lineup:
Bouzanis; Kizzi, Goodliffe, Rowe, Wyatt; Ajiboye, Smith, Robert, Randall; Olaofe, Bugiel

AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:
Tzanev; Lawrence, Heneghan, Csoka, Alexander; Woodyard, Hartigan; Assal, McCormick, Rudoni; Pressley

We say: Sutton United 1-0 AFC Wimbledon

Both sides head into this one fresh off the back of picking up morale-booting wins in the FA Cup and we can expect them to take the game to each other. While this is a close one to call, considering their similar form, we anticipate Sutton United will maintain their fine home record and claim a narrow win.

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